HISTORY OF THE GUILD
The Fort Wayne Artists Guild was founded in 1959 by alumni of the Fort Wayne Art School. Early member Ruth Hamilton stated that Jim McBride, a well-known local watercolor artist, was "more or less responsible for pulling the organization together." Charter Members included David Burroff (1st President), LaVern Hartman, James McBride, Virginia Berberstein, Peg Whonsettler, Herb Nichter, Bob Ferry, Gladys Baker, Harold Radatz, Grace Dickerson, Kathy Stahl, Peter Olivnik, Marjorie Hestoh, Max Crosley, Rena Trautman, Forest Stark, John L. Cockerell, and Paul Ashby. Shortly thereafter Mary Jane Obergfell, Lois Pieper, Marie Bluhm, Hilda Stoner and Lewis Rix joined the group.
In 1964-65, the "Diehm Museum of Natural History" was built by the Diehm family in memory of Jack Diehm, and members of the Fort Wayne Artists Guild painted scenic backgrounds for the displays. Tragically, the Museum burned to the ground in February, 1975. When the museum was rebuilt in1981, Guild members once again volunteered time and talent to paint 63 backgrounds for the various displays.
The Guild and its members were active in many community art events throughout the 1960's and 70's, and in 1977 undertook a new "venture" a juried show called "Ventures in Creativity" held at the Performing Arts Center. This show was open to all artists 18 years of age within a 150-mile radius. This exhibit continues to be Guild's most prestigious annual effort.
Guild Members volunteer their time and talent for "Kids Create" 2007 at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art
Throughout the years the Guild has awarded scholarships to deserving students at IPFW and St. Francis College in an effort to promote the furtherance of their art education, and has sponsored and participated in a variety of shows, workshops, and other events to promote art education.
In November 1994 the Guild was incorporated as a Not-For-Profit corporation, and in 1995 achieved 501 C-3 non-profit status.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church on Getz Road sponsored the first Aldersgate Art Show for FWAG members in 1994, with a reception and monetary awards. This show continues to be held annually.
Just before Easter 1999, the Guild held its first "Kids Create" event at Glenbrook Mall. Children were invited to try their hands at various art projects. This project has continued annually, and for the past several years has been held at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.
Throughout the years the Guild has arranged for members to exhibit in various businesses, medical facilities, and restaurants in order to promote the appreciation of local artists. The Guild has also sponsored many workshops by such renowned artists as Tony Couch, Tony VanHasselt , Judy Wagner, Rob O'Dell, Kathy Chan Barnes, R. Clay Kent, Peggy Brown, Henry Bell, Ray Loos, Barb Fuson, Louise Johannesen, Betty Wade and Ann Smith to promote the education and advancement of artists.
The Fort Wayne Artists Guild is a member of the Indiana Federation of Art Clubs, the Indiana Arts Commission, Arts United of Fort Wayne, and the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce.
A longer version of this history was compiled by Mary Clohessy, former Guild Historian.
"Ventures in Creativity," a juried show of 2-dimensional art, is held during July each year at the Allen County Public Library.
Fort Wayne Artists Guild, Inc. | PO Box 13437 Fort Wayne IN 46869-3437 | © 2008-2010
